Film Review: The Short Life of Jose Antonio Guitierrez

This documentary is powerful and fascinating. Once again we have a story that incorporates Bush’s lies. Jose Guitierrez was the first casualty of the Iraq War. The Americans lied and said he died a hero defending his country. Later it was learned that he died from friendly fire.
Jose Guitierrez was born in Guatemala. His life as an orphan was so sad. He lived for years on the street. Finally he was taken into a home for street children. The director tells how Jose was so street smart but also had such an inherent need to be close. He would cling to the director and hold his hand while walking.
He tried for years to find his sister. Finally he was reunited with her and kept up a correspondence until his death. Jose illegally arrives in the United States by smuggling himself through the Mexican borders both on the Guatemalan side and the United States. Jose always had a dream of being an architect so he could build himself a proper house. He joined the marines and seemed to thrive their because of the comradeship of the fellow marines. Bush offered citizenship to those joining the American forces on a green card His life was cut short all too soon.
We see scenes of the squalor in Guatemala. We hear interviews with his sister and workers at the refuge where he lived. Fellow marines are also interviewed.
It is a gripping story. To add insult to injury we learn that the United States played a part in the Civil War that destroyed so much of the country and so many lives.
The film is currently playing at the Bloor Cinema. I have such respect for this little cinema house. They dare to show unusual and outstanding films. It is a comfortable little theatre and I have never found it to be too crowded. It is also very cheap